After “Attack Of The Clones” was released in 2002, George Lucas immediately begins writing on a screenplay for the last installment of “The Prequel Trilogy” known as “Revenge Of The Sith.” This time it focuses on Anakin Skywalker’s transformation as Darth Vader. When George finished the script, filming began with returning Cast Members including, Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, (I despise him for ruining Darth Vader’s menacing image by making him a prom queen) Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Natalie Portman, & Christopher Lee participating one last time.
When I was eleven years old, my parents took me to see “The Incredibles.” Before the picture began, a teaser trailer was shown to promote Revenge Of The Sith. I was very enthusiastic on how they’re gonna end Anakin’s arc as a Jedi Knight to Sith Lord. Several months later, I bought a video game that is based on the film of the same name, and another video game called Lego Star Wars, which is a retelling of The Prequel Trilogy. I’ve played both of them to gear up for Vader’s rise to power. Those were the good ol’ days. I wish I was a kid again so I can relive my childhood memories.
In May 19, 2005, Revenge Of The Sith was released worldwide. (same year Batman Begins came out) Unlike its predecessors, the film received positive reviews from critics/fans alike, and it was also box office success, making more money than Attack Of The Clones, however, Revenge Of The Sith didn’t surpass The Phantom Menace’s box office milestone.
Like my other reviews for The Prequel Trilogy, I wanted to review each Star Wars movie to prepare for “The Last Jedi” coming out this December.
The following article contains SPOILERS, due to the fact that Revenge Of The Sith has already been around and fans are still talking about very important Plot Points that lead up to The Original Trilogy. For those have have seen it, you’re ok, and for those who have never ever ever ever, seen it, I advise you to go watch it right now before someone online posts a meme that’ll ruin your experience as a viewer!
Mystifying & Idiotic Qualities
Mystifying: Ewan McGregor, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L. Jackson, Temuera Morrison, Natalie Portman, & Christopher Lee, all did a fantastic job on their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Speaking of Natalie, Gary Oldman was considered for the role of General Grevious, but he turned it down to work with Christopher Nolan in Batman Begins and reprising his role as Sirius Black, in Harry Potter & The Goblet Of Fire. If Gary accepted the role of Grivous, it could’ve been a “Leon: The Professional” reunion between Natalie & Gary. Can you imagine Gary’s voice yelling “EVERYONE” as he tries to fight Obi-Wan? That would’ve been funny!
Action Sequences were amazing such as a large scale Space Battle depicted in The Opening Scene with Obi-Wan & Anakin, flying their way through obstacles, a Lightsaber Duel between Obi-Wan & Anakin, don’t forget an epic fight between Yoda & The Emperor. I would consider Yoda Vs. The Emperor, as the best hands down, Lightsaber Duel, ever depicted in The Prequel Trilogy.
C.G.I. was mostly impressive to create a single planet’s unique environment from various planets such as, Coruscant, Mustafar, Utapau, Kashyyk, and other selected planets.
Cinematography felt spot on decent.
The Tone for the third entry, is much darker than its predecessors. For example, Palpatine tells The Clone Army, to “Execute Order 66.” If you know what I mean. Yoda at one point, feels heartbroken on what just happened with his former students. You can tell by the look on his face as he holds his chest, as if a lightsaber stabbed him through the heart. I believe that this is the sole reason on why Yoda exiled himself to Dagobah, because he can’t handle the pain on losing his closest allies as he looks at them as his children/grandchildren. He acts like a father figure to all his students.
John Williams did an excellent job for conducting the Musical Score. I’ll have to give him Bonus Points for writing “Battle Of The Heroes” as it was played during The Climatic Battle, it makes you care about Obi-Wan’s downfall with his former padawan, and his brotherly like relationship with Anakin, internally collapses. Duel Of The Fates is also played during Yoda’s fight with Palpatine.
One scene pays an homage to The Godfather’s climatic “Baptism Scene” while intercutting Michael’s orders on assassinating The Corleone’s adversaries. Francis Ford Coppola, is George’s “mentor” and very close friends with him. I guess Coppola must’ve been flattered to watch Palpatine announcing that he’s turned The Galactic Republic into The Empire, as the scene intercuts Vader mowing down Nute Gunray along with his colleagues.
Palpatine’s backstory was very interesting as he told Anakin a story about a powerful Sith Lord called, Darth Plaguis and his apprentice who betrayed and murdered his master, who’s apprentice is obviously Palpatine himself, as well as the nature of The Dark Side and how it’s capable of manifesting one individual’s gift with The Force.
A scene with Anakin at The Jedi Temple of him thinking if he should spare or kill Palpatine to prevent Padmè’s death from coming true, or kill the Dark Lord to end The Clone Wars for good. This properly sets up Anakin’s motivation to become Palpatine’s apprentice.
Similar to “The Dark Knight,” The Primary Theme for this movie is Making A Deal With The Devil. Palpatine/The Emperor, is based on The Devil, while Anakin/Darth Vader, represents an ordinary individual who accepts the contract by giving him an extraordinary gift/role to partake in The Devil’s war against The Gods. The Jedi also represent gods.
The Best Line in The Prequel Trilogy is, “So this is how liberty dies, with a thunderous applause.” The line is delivered by Padmè, after Palpatine announces that he has renamed The Republic, as The Empire. I’ll have to give this line a bunch of Bonus Points because it gave me chills.
I really enjoyed Obi-Wan’s one-liners including, “So uncivilized!” He’s like the secret love child of James Bond and John McClane, because they’re both known for their one-liners, whether it’s a pre-kill or post-kill liner.
In every Star Wars tradition, a “Wilhelm Scream,” is heard yet again. Come on fellas, it’s not a Star Wars film if you’re gonna add a Wilhelm Scream.
Chewbacca appears onscreen for the first time since “Return Of The Jedi.” He was once a soldier for The Wookie Army, prior to meeting his future best friend, Han Solo. Plus, there’s a pivotal reason why he left his home planet.
Jar Jar’s role is reduced as a background character, his only line is, “Excuse me.”
When Anakin reunites with Padmè, her hair resembles Princess Leia’s infamous hairdo from “A New Hope.” George must’ve given us fans a wink and foreshadowing her appearance at the end of the movie.
We finally get to witness why Darth Vader needs to wear his black suit to keep himself alive due to his critical injuries.
A symbolic birth and death scene is shown with Padmè giving birth to Luke & Leia, then she dies from childbirth. Darth Vader is reborn with cybernetic limbs along with his iconic black armor and mask. It gave me chills seeing Vader putting his mask on for the very first time. His iconic breathing also sent me shivers down my spine.
The Ending perfectly sets up characters from The Original Trilogy going their separate ways including Obi-Wan by taking Luke to Tatooine in order to keep him safe from Vader. C-3PO & R2-D2, board the same ship from the opening of A New Hope and their memory gets wiped out, as a tactic to delete evidence to prevent Vader from knowing about his kids. Bail Organa decided to adopt Leia to prevent Vader from knowing about her. Vader and The Emperor look at The Death Star as its under construction for a total of nineteen years. I guess Lucas took Kevin Smith’s advice on how many contractors or construction workers are needed to build a massively complex space station. It’s that scene from “Clerks” when Randall has a conversation with Dante about the construction of building a complex weapons of mass destruction.
The Final Scene shows Obi-Wan delivering baby Luke to Uncle Owen & Aunt Beru, It felt heartwarming as a reminder to all the fans out there that Luke represents hope and he will restore balance to The Force and help his father redeem himself from The Dark Side. The Final Shot also pays tribute to Luke staring at the twin suns.
My favorite part of Revenge Of The Sith is when Palpatine executed “Order 66.” A montage shows many Jedi getting massacred by Clone Troopers under Palpatine’s orders. The slain Jedi definitely need an “In Memoriam” montage.
Idiotic: Over reliance of blue screen effect, seemed to look fake, as you can see the actors standing in front of a blue screen, rather than an actual set piece made from hand.
Hayden Christensen didn’t reflect back on his Razzie winning performance in Attack Of The Clones, he still has the same robotic portrayal as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader. James Earl Jones is a more capable actor than Christensen, as he’s able to channel Vader’s “Rage Mode!” No wonder Anakin needed an incredibly high dosage of testosterone medicine injected into his bloodstream!
Padmè utters out Anakin’s nickname, “Ani.” Disney, do me a favor and never bring up that nickname in a possible solo Darth Vader spin-off, true fans want to pretend that this never happened! I prefer Ahsoka’s nickname to Anakin, “Skyguy.” Every time I hear Ani, I think of the song “It’s A Hard Knock Life” from “Annie”,” Jay-Z or Dr. Evil rapping in “Austin Powers In Goldmember.”
After Darth Vader’s rebirth, he questions The Emporer if Padmè’s ok. He replies back that he “killed her.” At first the scene felt strong with Vader becoming enraged about the news, until he lets out a big “NO!” Ladies & Gentlemen, this’ll forever be a meme, next to Batman’s “Why did you say that name?” Alongside Tom Cruise jumping on Oprah’s couch.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BIRDIE! (golf term)
Revenge Of The Sith has got to be the only good movie in The Prequel Trilogy. I recommend it for those who want to witness the birth of The Empire, Palpatine manipulating Anakin as his second in command, Order 66, Lightsaber Duels, Padmè giving birth to Luke & Leia, and The Ending that sets a new era in the series’ chronological order. George, you totally redeemed yourself for making this third entry!
Nickthemoviecritic.com 